Coil screw for a smoke duct with brush elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The combustion of dusty flue gases from biomass or solid fuels leads to soot deposits and contamination in heat exchangers, reducing their efficiency and requiring frequent maintenance, while existing register screws are inadequate for complete cleaning and heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating brush elements with flexible fibers or wires onto the register screws, arranged radially to contact the inner flue walls, which continuously clean the flue and enhance heat transfer by absorbing and transferring heat, thereby reducing noise and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional register screws are used to transport deposits in the flue, then some cleaning effect is achieved, but the cleaning is incomplete and heat transfer remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two functions into a single integrated solution: the register screw serves both as a transport mechanism for deposits and as a mounting structure for brush elements that perform cleaning and heat transfer. The brush elements are directly attached to the screw threads, merging the mechanical transport function with the cleaning and thermal exchange functions in one component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The register screw is transformed into a multi-functional component. It no longer merely transports deposits but also supports brush elements that perform dual functions: mechanical cleaning of the flue walls and thermal exchange with the flue gas. This universal component addresses multiple problems simultaneously.
2Reliability
If brush elements are added to the register screw to improve cleaning and heat transfer, then cleaning effectiveness and heat transfer are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brush elements are segmented into multiple bristles or wires that are distributed around the register screw. This segmentation allows the cleaning function to be distributed across multiple contact points with the flue wall, improving overall cleaning effectiveness while keeping each individual bristle simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush elements are nested within or attached to the existing register screw structure. The bristles are positioned within the spiral geometry of the screw, utilizing the existing mechanical framework rather than adding a completely separate cleaning mechanism. This nesting approach minimizes additional structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the register screw rotates to clean the flue walls, then continuous cleaning is achieved, but noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brush elements use flexible bristles or thin wire structures that can deform and adapt to the flue wall surface. This flexibility allows the brush elements to make gentle contact with deposits and wall surface, reducing mechanical impact noise while maintaining effective cleaning through continuous contact during rotation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The brush elements effectively remove deposits and improve heat transfer efficiency, reducing maintenance requirements and noise levels, ensuring reliable operation and increased heat transfer effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
brush elements with flexible fibers or wires onto the register screws, arranged radially to contact the inner flue walls
Implementation Method 2
the brush elements effectively remove deposits
Implementation Method 3
enhance heat transfer by absorbing and transferring heat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A register screw (14) for a flue passage (10) of a heat exchanger (8), comprising an axis and a number of screw flights (16) extending radially from the axis along a longitudinal section, is intended to improve heat recovery from flue gas in such a way that it requires little maintenance, has a high efficiency, generates a low noise level, and cleans the entire surface of the heat exchanger. For this purpose, a number of brush elements (20) with a brush head are arranged on the axis or on the screw flights (16) such that the brush head points radially outwards from the axis.